U.S. patent application number 14/460917 was filed with the patent office on 2015-02-19 for mobile application for hair extensions.
This patent application is currently assigned to iWeave International. The applicant listed for this patent is Steven I. Campbell. Invention is credited to Steven I. Campbell.
Application Number | 20150052008 14/460917 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52467499 |
Filed Date | 2015-02-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150052008 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Campbell; Steven I. |
February 19, 2015 |
Mobile Application For Hair Extensions
Abstract
The subject disclosure pertains to systems and methods for
viewing and purchasing hair extensions via a mobile application. A
user can upload a photograph to a mobile device or server using the
mobile application. The image of a selected hairstyle can be
displayed on the mobile device display overlaying the photograph
image in a mobile app interface. The user can add hair extensions
associated with the selected hairstyle to a virtual shopping cart.
The user can go directly from the user interface displaying the
photograph and hairstyle to the virtual shopping cart to purchase
the hair extensions. Users can also search for and purchase hair
care products. The user can also search for stylists who can put in
the hair extensions.
Inventors: |
Campbell; Steven I.;
(Jackson, MS) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Campbell; Steven I. |
Jackson |
MS |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
iWeave International
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
52467499 |
Appl. No.: |
14/460917 |
Filed: |
August 15, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61867002 |
Aug 16, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/26.8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 50/01 20130101;
A45D 44/005 20130101; G06Q 30/0643 20130101; G06Q 30/0633
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/26.8 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/06 20060101
G06Q030/06; G06Q 50/00 20060101 G06Q050/00; A45D 44/00 20060101
A45D044/00 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: receiving, by a processor, a first image
comprising the face of a person; displaying, by the processor, the
first image on the display of a mobile device; receiving, by the
processor, a hairstyle selection; displaying, by the processor, a
second image on the mobile device comprising the hairstyle
selection overlaying the first image; receiving, by the processor,
a request to purchase hair extensions associated with the selected
hairstyle; generating, by the processor, a purchase order for the
hair extension.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving, by the
processor, a request to purchase other hair care products.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising saving, by the
processor, the image to a memory.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending or posting, by
the processor, the second image.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising locating, by the
processor, at least one stylist.
6. The method of claim 5, further comprising using, by the
processor, the mobile device's GPS to locate at least one
stylist.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending, by the
processor, the purchase order to a third party vendor.
8. A computer-readable storage medium storing executable
instructions that when executed by a processor cause the processor
to implement steps comprising: receiving first display information
of a first image from a mobile application; determining the
location of a face in the first image; sending the first display
information to the display component of mobile device; receiving
second display information of a second image from the mobile
application; combining the first image and second image such that
the second image overlays the first image; sending third display
information of the first image and second image overlaying each
other to the display component of a mobile device; receiving
purchase order information from the mobile application; and
providing the purchase order information to a server.
9. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 8, further
comprising instructions for storing the second display information
in a memory.
10. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 8, further
comprising instructions for sending the second display information
to a server.
11. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 10, wherein the
server is for a social media site, messaging, or email.
12. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 8, further
comprising instructions for determining the geographical location
of a stylist.
13. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 12, further
comprising receiving information from the mobile device's GPS to
determine the geographical location of the stylist.
14. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 8, further
comprising instructions for sending the purchase order information
to the server of a vendor.
15. A system comprising: a display; a processor communicatively
connected with the display; and a memory communicatively connected
with the processor, the memory having stored thereon executable
instructions that when executed by the processor cause the
processor to effectuate operations comprising: receiving first
display information of a first image from an application;
determining the location of a face in the first image; sending the
first display information to the display; receiving second display
information of a second image from the application; combining the
first image and second image such that the second image overlays
the first image; sending third display information of the first
image and second image overlaying each other to the display; and
receiving purchase order information from the application, the
purchase order information based on the third display
information.
16. The system of claim 15, further operations comprising for
storing the second display information in a memory.
17. The system of claim 15, further operations comprising for
sending the second display information to a server.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the server is for a social
media site, messaging, or email.
19. The system of claim 15, further operations comprising
determining the geographical location of a stylist.
20. The system of claim 15, further operations comprising receiving
information from the GPS of a mobile device to determine the
geographical location of the stylist.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e)
of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/867,002, filed Aug.
16, 2013, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference
in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention is directed generally to the
purchasing of goods via a mobile application and more specifically,
for purchasing hair related products.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A large percentage of the distribution and retail sale of
hair extensions is controlled by one unified group. Because hair
extensions are a scarce resource controlled by this unified group,
it can be difficult for new comers to enter the market to
distribute and sell hair extensions on a mass scale. This has
resulted in a number of relatively small, independent, and
disjointed distributors of hair extensions. Due to this lack of
unification among newcomers, it can be difficult for consumers to
shop for hair extensions. Most hair extension distributers and
retailers sell their products over the Internet (i.e., e-commerce).
Consumers must visit different online sites to shop for hair
extensions. Because of the small scale operation of these
distributors, there are limited funds to create efficiencies and
innovate in the distribution of hair extensions.
SUMMARY
[0004] Implementations of this disclosure provide systems and
methods for a user to shop for and purchase hair extensions from a
mobile application. In some implementations, the user can shop for
and purchase other hair care products. In some implementations, the
user can utilize a search functionality to find a desired
product.
[0005] In some implementations, a user can take a photograph
containing the face of a person and alter the photograph to display
a pre-stored hairstyle on the head of the person. In some
implementations, the user can use a pre-stored photograph.
Implementations of this disclosure allow the user to display
multiple hairstyles on the head of the person. A user may make one
or more selections, including bulk selections, from the multiple
hairstyles displayed. Once the user selects a hairstyle,
implementations of this disclosure allow the user to purchase the
hair extensions associated with the selected hairstyle. In some
implementations, the user can select to add the hair extensions
associated with the selected hairstyle to a virtual shopping cart.
In some implementations, the user can go directly from the user
interface displaying the uploaded picture and selected hairstyle to
a virtual shopping cart to purchase the hair extensions associated
with the hairstyle selected. This implementation is called
"picture-to-purchase." Although there are mobile applications that
allow users to visualize themselves with a particular hairstyle,
these applications are not m-commerce solutions and users cannot
purchase hair extensions from these mobile applications.
[0006] In some implementations, the user can store the altered
images with the selected hairstyle. In some implementations, the
user can send or post (e.g., to YouTube.RTM., Instagram.RTM.,
Twitter.RTM., Facebook.RTM.) the altered image (e.g., via
electronic mail message, chat message, comments left on a user's
webpage, or short message service (SMS) text messages).
[0007] In some implementations, the user also can purchase goods
associated with the selected hairstyle. Implementations of this
disclosure can locate salons and/or stylists within a geographical
area from the user. In some implementations, the salons and/or
stylists are preselected salons and/or stylists. In some
implementations, when purchasing product, the user can input a code
uniquely identifying a stylist.
[0008] In some implementations, third party distributors may be
able to receive purchase orders to fulfill the order. In this way,
in some implementations, relatively small, independent, and
disjointed distributors can become unified to offer a more
convenient shopping experience to the end user, among other
advantages.
[0009] To facilitate users shopping for and purchasing hair
extensions using a portable electronic device, a mobile application
(hereinafter "iWeave App") is downloaded onto the portable
electronic devices of the users. A mobile operation system specific
iWeave App can be provided for different mobile operating systems
such as, but not limited to, Android from Google Inc., iOS from
Apple Inc., a BlackBerry mobile OS from BlackBerry, and Windows
Phone from Microsoft.
[0010] In some implementations, the iWeave App interfaces with an
iWeave web server to perform the function set above. Through the
iWeave App, a constant connection can be maintained between the
iWeave server and the portable electronic device.
[0011] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed
subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not
limited to limitations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in
any part of this disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0012] The following description is better understood when read in
conjunction with the appended drawings.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary system
of an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a representation of an exemplary user screen in
accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a representation of an exemplary user screen in
accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a representation of an exemplary user screen in
accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 5A is a flow chart of a method in accordance with an
embodiment of the disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 5B is an isolated portion of the flow chart from FIG.
5A with regard to iSylist.
[0019] FIG. 5C is an isolated portion of the flow chart from FIG.
5A, with regard to shopping for a hair product.
[0020] FIG. 5D is an isolated portion of the flow chart from FIG.
5A with regard to locating stylist.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The subject matter of the various embodiments is described
with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the
description itself is not intended to limit the scope of the
disclosed subject matter. Rather, the inventor has contemplated
that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other
ways, to include different steps or elements similar to the ones
described in this document, in conjunction with other present or
future technologies. It should be understood that the explanations
illustrating the mobile application for hair extensions are
exemplary. The following description is illustrative and not
limiting to any one aspect.
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates iWeave system 100 according to certain
implementations of the present disclosure. iWeave system 100
includes a plurality of portable electronic devices such as
portable electronic device 110, iWeave server 120, and network
130.
[0023] When a portable electronic device (e.g., portable electronic
device 110) downloads the iWeave App (e.g., from an app store), the
iWeave App interfaces with iWeave server 120 via a network (e.g.,
network 130). The iWeave App and/or any related, required, or
useful applications, plug-ins, readers, viewers, updates, patches,
or other code for executing the iWeave App can be downloaded via a
network or installed on portable electronic device 110 in any other
known manner.
[0024] Network 130 can be implemented as, or can be a part of, a
storage area network (SAN), personal area network (PAN), local area
network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area
network (WAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a virtual
private network (VPN), an intranet, the Internet or any other
appropriate architecture or system that facilitates the
communication of signals, data and/or messages (generally referred
to as data) via any one or more wired and/or wireless communication
links. The network(s) can include any communication link known to
persons of skill, including for example, cloud, cellular or
satellite transmission, magnetic or optical media, radio frequency
transmission, microwave or fiber optic transmission, or
communications via Internet, cable, or satellite providers.
[0025] Portable electronic device 110 can be any type of portable
or mobile electronics device, such as for example, a smartphone, a
cell phone, a mobile telephone, personal digital assistant (PDA),
laptop computer, tablet-style computer, or any other device that a
user can hold in his or her hand. For example, in some embodiments,
the portable electronic device 110 can be a smart phone, such as an
iPhone by Apple Inc., a Blackberry phone by RIM, or a phone using
an Android operating system (OS), for example.
[0026] As illustrated in FIG. 1, portable electronic device 110 can
include memory 110a, processor 110b, location tracking system (LTS)
110c, display 110d, input/output devices 110e, and communication
interface 110f.
[0027] Memory 110a can store the iWeave App and other data, such as
location data, configuration settings of the device, and any other
data required for the iWeave App to operate, etc. Memory 110a can
comprise one or more devices suitable for storing electronic data,
e.g., RAM, DRAM, ROM, internal flash memory, external flash memory
cards (e.g., Multi Media Card (MMC), Reduced-Size MMC (RS-MMC),
Secure Digital (SD), MiniSD, MicroSD, Compact Flash, Ultra Compact
Flash, Sony Memory Stick, etc.), SIM memory, a rewritable optical
disk, a rewritable magnetic tape, and/or any other type of volatile
or non-volatile memory or storage device. As described herein,
memory is a tangible, physical, and concrete article of manufacture
and thus not a signal per se. The iWeave App can be embodied in any
combination of software, firmware, and/or any other type of
computer-readable instructions.
[0028] Processor 110b can include a microprocessor, a
microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application
specific integrated circuit (ASIC), electrically-programmable
read-only memory (EPROM), or a field-programmable gate array
(FPGA), or any other suitable processor(s), and can be generally
operable to execute instructions for the iWeave App, as well as
providing any other functions of portable electronic device 110.
Processor 110b can be a number of processors, a multi-processor
core, or some other type of processor, depending on the particular
implementation. Processor 110b can be implemented using a number of
heterogeneous processor systems in which a main processor is
present with secondary processors on a single chip.
[0029] Portable electronic device 110 can include location tracking
system 110c for determining the geographic location of portable
electronic device 110. For example, location tracking system 110c
can include a global positioning system (GPS) receiver for
accessing a GPS application function call that returns the
geographic coordinates (i.e., the geographic location) of portable
electronic device 110. As another example, the positioning system
can utilize any suitable trilateration or triangulation technique
to determine the geographic coordinates of portable electronic
device 110. In some embodiments, location tracking system 110c can
determine various measurements (e.g., signal-to-noise ratio ("SNR")
or signal strength measurements) of a network signal (e.g., a
cellular telephone network signal, a wireless network access point
or "hot spot," or any other suitable network signal) associated
with portable electronic device 110 to determine its location.
[0030] Display 110d can comprise an LCD screen (e.g., thin film
transistor (TFT) LCD or super twisted nematic (STN) LCD), an
organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, or any other suitable
type of display. In some embodiments, display 110d can be an
interactive display, such as a touch screen.
[0031] Input/output interface 110e can include any suitable
interfaces allowing a user to interact with portable electronic
device 110. In some implementations, I/O interface 110e includes
hardware, software, or both providing one or more interfaces for
communication between portable electronic device 110 and one or
more I/O devices. Portable electronic device 110 can include one or
more of these I/O devices, where appropriate. One or more of these
I/O devices can enable communication between a person and portable
electronic device 110. As an example and not by way of limitation,
an I/O device can include a keyboard, keypad, microphone, monitor,
mouse, printer, scanner, speaker, still camera, stylus, tablet,
touch screen, trackball, video camera, another suitable I/O device
or a combination of two or more of these.
[0032] An I/O device can include one or more sensors. This
disclosure contemplates any suitable I/O devices and any suitable
I/O interfaces 110e for them. Where appropriate, I/O interface 110e
can include one or more device or software drivers enabling
processor 110b to drive one or more of these I/O devices. I/O
interface 110e can include one or more I/O interfaces 110e, where
appropriate. Although this disclosure describes and illustrates a
particular I/O interface, this disclosure contemplates any suitable
I/O interface.
[0033] Communication interface 110f can any interface that enables
communication between portable electronic device 110 and external
devices, machines and/or elements such as network 130 or an app
store. Communication interface 110f can include, but is not limited
to, a modem, a Network Interface Card (NIC), an integrated network
interface, a radio frequency transmitter/receiver (e.g., Bluetooth,
cellular, NFC), a satellite communication transmitter/receiver, an
infrared port, a USB connection, or any other such interfaces for
connecting portable electronic device 110 to other computing
devices and/or communication networks such as the Internet. Such
connections can include a wired connection or a wireless connection
(e.g., a wireless network connection conforming to IEEE 802.11
specifications) though it should be understood that communication
interface 110f can be practically any interface that enables
communication to/from portable electronic device 110.
[0034] FIG. 2 through FIG. 4 illustrate example screen shots of the
iWeave App launched on a portable electronic device. Further
details are discussed with regard to FIG. 5A through FIG. 5D. FIG.
2 illustrates a mobile device with a display for executing
transactions with regard to hair products, which may include hair
extensions. Display 110d of FIG. 2 includes a menu button 202 for
iStyler, which allows for a user to virtually "try on" a hair
extension. Menu button 204 may give a user access to shop different
hair extensions. Menu button 206 may give a user access to a search
application that allows for a person to find a stylist to insert or
style the hair extensions. There also may be other menu buttons
such as, menu button 208 for further information about aspects of
the company sponsoring the hair extension application, a menu
button 209 for a social network forum for hair extension related
topics, and a menu button 210 for directing a user to help.
[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary user interface after a menu
button is selected, such as menu button 202 for iStyler. As shown
in FIG. 3, display 110d of mobile device 110 shows a picture 303 of
a person, a selection of hairstyles (e.g., hairstyle 301 and
hairstyle 302), as well as menu buttons (e.g., menu button 305 for
sharing a portion of what is shown on display 110d). As discussed,
implementations of the disclosure allow a user to take or use a
photograph containing the face of a person and alter the photograph
to display a pre-stored hairstyle or hair product on the head of
the person, such as hairstyle 301 and hairstyle 302. In some
implementations, the user can upload a pre-stored photograph.
Implementations of this disclosure allow the user to display
multiple hairstyles or hair products on the head of a person. As
shown in FIG. 3, once the user selects a hairstyle, implementations
of this disclosure allow the user to purchase a hair product (e.g.,
hair extensions) associated with the selected hairstyle. The user
can also select menu button 307 for more information about the
hairstyle or the hair product. If a user chooses to shop for and
purchase products by selecting menu button 204, for example, FIG. 4
illustrates a sample screen shot of a product selected for the
shopping functionality.
[0036] FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary method for electronic
transactions associated with hair products using a mobile device
(e.g., mobile device 110). The transactions may include viewing,
virtually trying on, or purchasing hair extensions. At block 506,
an application for electronic transactions associated with hair
extensions (i.e., iWeave app) is launched. At block 508, the iWeave
app may load a navigation menu with navigation options on display
110d. Based on the navigation options of block 508, a user may
select iStyler at block 510, select Shop at block 520, select
Locate Styler at block 540, or select About at block 550. The
navigation options of block 508 can be similar to those shown in
FIG. 2, among other possible navigation options.
[0037] FIG. 5B illustrates a portion of the method of FIG. 5A with
regard to iStyler or Shop. Generally, the iStyler selected at block
510 can be any interface or application (e.g., menu button 202)
that allows users to view images of hairstyles overlaying a
photograph of a person. At block 512, a picture may be selected
from pictures previously in memory 110a of mobile device 110 or
selected from a server (e.g., server 120). A camera of mobile
device 110 or another camera may have taken the selected picture.
The selected picture may be a picture of the user (e.g., consumer)
that was taken before launching the iWeave App or after launching
the iWeave App (e.g., iWeave App may provide access to camera in
order for user to take a picture). In addition, the selected
picture may be a photo of someone other than the user, but when
user is planning to purchase, it is preferable that the picture is
a person with similar features to the person who will ultimately
use the one or more hair products. The selected picture may be
edited to remove unwanted background (e.g., another person). The
selected picture may be used to display a determined hair product
(block 514) and determined hairstyle (block 516).
[0038] At block 514, a hairstyle is determined and may be applied
to the face of the selected picture of block 512. A list of
hairstyles (or hairstyle automatically applied to the face in the
picture) may be prepopulated based on factors such as, a user
profile, common purchases by the current or other users (e.g.,
common purchases by the user or other users in a particular
location), or facial features detected in the selected picture.
With regard to facial features, the facial features that are
analyzed may be based the position of the nose, eyes, or mouth, the
shape of the nose, eyes, or mouth, or the shape of the face, among
other things. The factors may help determine the color, length, or
curl of the list of hairstyles that are shown on display 110d. A
user may also manually select the list of hairstyles shown on
display 110d. As discussed, there may be a plurality of hairstyles,
such as hairstyle 301 or hairstyle 302 that overlays the face of
the person in the picture 303. Facial recognition technology can be
used to automatically recognize where to display the style in the
picture. For example, based on the recognition of facial features,
such as eyes, nose, lips, cheeks, and ears, the hairstyle may
automatically be placed around the face and appropriately cover (or
not cover) the ears, cheeks, and other facial features. A user may
also manually adjust a selected hairstyle.
[0039] With continued reference to FIG. 5B, at block 516, a hair
product may be determined that assists in enabling the hairstyle.
This block 516 (as well as many other blocks) may be completed to
be executed in a different order based on the situation. For
example, the hair product may be selected and then the different
hairstyles may then be shown. A list of hair products that enable
the style may be shown on display 110d that may include wigs or
hair extensions. Additional products that enable the selected
hairstyle of block 514 may be listed at this block 516, as well as
the shopping block. The additional products may include glue, bobby
pins, wig caps, or curling irons, among other things. The list of
hair products shown may be based on factors of the hair of the
displayed hairstyle, such as the sheen, the length, the color, the
type of curl, or the need to apply heat to the hair for the
displayed hairstyle.
[0040] With continued reference to block 516 of FIG. 5B, the list
of hair products may also be prepopulated based on factors such as,
a user profile, a selected time frame for the hair style or use of
the hair product, common purchases by the current or other users
(e.g., common purchases by the user or other users in a particular
location), or facial features detected in the selected picture. In
an example, a user may determine that it is desired that a
hairstyle last a minimum amount of time. So factors such as the
climate the hairstyle will be worn in and the frequency a consumer
of the hair may workout (or tendency to sweat) can be used in
determining the prepopulated (e.g., recommended) hair products, as
well as the hair style. A user may be alerted via display 110d with
regard to whether a certain hair product is not compatible with a
particular hairstyle or whether using a certain hair product for a
particular hairstyle may reduce the life of the hair product (e.g.,
excessive need to flat iron a type of hair extension). The color,
sheen, or the like of a selected hairstyle of block 514 may be
updated on display 110d based on the selected hair product at block
516.
[0041] At block 518, the user may select a product to purchase.
This may be based on viewing the hairstyles and hair products on a
pictures, as discussed with regard to step 512, 514, and 516. The
user may follow the shopping process as discussed with regard to
FIG. 5C. Instead of shopping, as shown in block 518, the user may
save the edited picture or share the edited picture. In 518,
options can be provided to save the image, share the image, and/or
shop. The image can be saved, for example, in memory 110a, server
120, or database 140 from FIG. 1. The image can be shared via a
social media site such as Facebook.RTM., Instagram.RTM., or
Twitter.RTM., as well as email, text messaging, or other sharing
means. After saving or sharing the image, the user can have the
option to return to the navigation screen or exit the application.
The process of block 510 through block 516 can be referred to as an
iStyle process.
[0042] It is contemplated herein that hair extensions may be
considered in some way different from wigs. Wigs are usually placed
over the head like a cap. Alternatively, hair extensions are
usually sewn, woven, glued, or otherwise attached to a person's
existing hair or scalp. In many instances with regard to hair
extensions, it is preferred to not only match hair to facial
features, but also length and texture of natural hair of a
consumer. Therefore when automatically showing one or more hair
products or hairstyles, with regard to hair extensions, other
factors may include the texture of permed hair of the consumer,
texture of natural hair of the consumer when heat is applied (e.g.,
flat ironed), and texture of natural hair of the consumer when no
heat is applied.
[0043] FIG. 5C illustrates a portion of the method of FIG. 5A with
regard to shopping. The user can have the option to shop as shown
in block 520. Shopping at block 520 may occur using any interface
on a mobile device (or other computing device) in which products
can be purchased. Shopping functionality may be accessed from
different parts of the mobile application. For example, shopping
functionality interface 520 can be accessed from a navigation menu
or directly from the image of the hairstyle overlaying the picture.
At block 522, one or more hair products can be selected. Hair
products can be merchandise on sale for purchase. A hair product
can be, for example, the hair extension associated with the
hairstyle selected in iStyle process 514 and 516. A hair product
can also be hair care merchandise, such as shampoo, conditioner,
among other things. At block 524, selected products can be added to
a virtual shopping cart. At block 525, a check can be made to
determine if shopping has been completed. The check can be a prompt
in the mobile app asking if shopping is completed. Shopping can
also be deemed completed if the user proceeds to block 526. At
block 526, order information can be received. Order information can
be the payment and shipping information of the purchaser. At block
528, the order can be processed. Processed can mean that the order
information has been received and accepted. Checks can be done to
ensure that the payment information and shipping address are valid.
In one embodiment of the invention, block 526 and block 528 can be
performed using third party software, such as eCommHub.RTM. or
Shopify.RTM.. The purchased products can then be shipped to the
purchaser at the shipping address provided.
[0044] In one aspect, shown in 530, the order can be sent to a
vendor to be completed. A vendor can be any third party that can
fulfill purchase orders. In 532, a vendor can receive the order. In
533, the vendor can update a database with the order information.
In 534, the vendor can ship the order to the user. In 536, a
delivery service can pick up the order for delivery. The order can
be delivered, for example, by the vendor or a separate delivery
service. In 538, the customer can receive the order.
[0045] FIG. 5D illustrates a continued portion of the method of
FIG. 5A where Locate Styler is selected from a navigation menu. A
stylist can be anyone capable or in the business of putting in hair
extensions or otherwise styling hair. A stylist can be referred to
as an iStyler. At block 551, it can be determined whether GPS of
the mobile device is enabled. If the GPS is not enabled then at
block 553, the GPS of the mobile device can be activated. The
mobile device can also indicate to the user that the user should
activate the GPS. At block 554, information can be input to find a
stylist. The input can be any information that can be used to
locate a stylist. For example, the input can be the location of the
user, the location or geographic area where the user would like to
go to a stylist, a specific code assigned to a particular stylist,
or criteria for the type of stylist the user would like to find.
Other examples of input can be the type of hairstyle (block 514),
the hair product (516), any of the factors discussed above with
regard to determining a hairstyle or hair product. The criteria can
include price, experience, ratings, or other factors. At block 556,
a stylist can be found based on the input. At block 558, the
results can be returned to the user and shown on display 110d. The
results may be a list of one or more stylists that conform to the
input of block 554. At block 559, the user may have the option to
return to the navigation screen and the option to exit the
application.
[0046] As an example, a user orders hair extensions via the iWeave
mobile app. The user then launches the iWeave mobile app to find a
stylist who can put the hair extensions in. The user turns on the
GPS on her mobile device and launches the iStyler on her mobile
app. The user chooses to find the stylist closest to her, and so
selects that option in the app. The application then locates the
nearest stylists and returns a set of results for the user to
choose from.
[0047] In summary, a user may download and launch an application
for viewing and purchasing hair products, such as hair extensions,
on a mobile device. As an example, a user launches the iWeave
mobile app on a mobile device. The app provides the user with a set
of navigation options. The user chooses the iStyler option. The
mobile app opens the iStyler. The user uploads a photograph of his
or her head using the mobile app. The mobile app displays the
photograph of the user on the mobile device. The user selects a
hair extension and the mobile app displays the selected hair
extension overlaying the user's photograph such that the hair
extension appears where the user's hair in the photograph would
normally appear. The user saves the image and shares the image with
his or her friends on a social networking site. The user selects an
option to purchase the selected hair extension. The mobile app
places the hair extension in a virtual shopping cart. The user
decides to shop further, and finds a few other items to place in
the virtual shopping cart. The user navigates to the order screen
of the mobile app. The mobile app receives shipping and billing
information from the user. The order is completed and the order
information is sent to a vendor. The vendor processes the order and
ships the purchased products to the user, which the user later
receives.
[0048] In some implementations, one or more aspects of at least one
embodiment can be implemented by representative instructions stored
on a machine-readable medium which represents various logic within
the processor, which when read by a machine causes the machine to
fabricate logic to perform the techniques described herein. Such
representations, known as "IP cores," can be stored on a tangible,
machine-readable medium and supplied to various customers or
manufacturing facilities to load into the fabrication machines that
actually make the logic or processor.
[0049] In some implementations, the processes and logic flows
describe in this specification can be performed by one or more
programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to
perform functions by operating on input data and generating output
thereby tying the process to a particular machine (e.g., a machine
programmed to perform the processes described herein). The
processes and logic flows can also be performed by, and the
apparatus can also be implemented as, special purpose logic
circuitry, e.g., an FPGA or an ASIC.
[0050] Some embodiments can be implemented, for example, using a
machine or tangible computer-readable medium or article which can
store an instruction or a set of instructions that, if executed by
a machine, can cause the machine to perform a method and/or
operations in accordance with the embodiments.
[0051] Such a machine can include, for example, any suitable
processing platform, computing platform, computing device,
processing device, computing system, processing system, computer,
processor, or the like, and can be implemented using any suitable
combination of hardware and/or software. The machine-readable
medium or article can include, for example, any suitable type of
memory unit, memory device, memory article, memory medium, storage
device, storage article, storage medium and/or storage unit, for
example, memory, removable or non-removable media, erasable or
non-erasable media, writeable or re-writeable media, digital or
analog media, hard disk, floppy disk, Compact Disk Read Only Memory
(CD-ROM), Compact Disk Recordable (CD-R), Compact Disk Rewriteable
(CD-RW), optical disk, magnetic media, magneto-optical media,
removable memory cards or disks, various types of Digital Versatile
Disk (DVD), a tape, a cassette, or the like. To the extent not
included above, computer readable media suitable for storing
computer program instructions and data also includes all forms of
nonvolatile memory, media and memory devices, including by way of
example semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and
flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or
removable disks; magneto optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD ROM
disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or
incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.
[0052] The instructions can include any suitable type of code, such
as source code, compiled code, interpreted code, executable code,
static code, dynamic code, encrypted code, and the like,
implemented using any suitable high-level, low-level,
object-oriented, visual, compiled and/or interpreted programming
language. To the extent not included above, such instructions also
can comprise, for example, interpreted instructions, such as script
instructions, e.g., JavaScript or ECMAScript instructions, or
executable code, Standard interchange language (SIL), Component
Object Model (COM) enabled programming languages, or other
instructions stored in a computer readable medium including
existing and future developed instructions specific to portable
electronic devices, mobile applications, and servers.
[0053] Unless specifically stated otherwise, it can be appreciated
that terms such as "processing," "computing," "calculating,"
"determining," or the like, refer to the action and/or processes of
a computer or computing system, or similar electronic computing
device, that manipulates and/or transforms data represented as
physical quantities (e.g., electronic) within the computing
system's registers and/or memories into other data similarly
represented as physical quantities within the computing system's
memories, registers or other such information storage, transmission
or display devices. The embodiments are not limited in this
context.
[0054] To provide for interaction with a user, implementations of
the subject matter described in this specification can be operable
to interface with a computing device that is integrated with or
connected to (directly or indirectly) a display, such as a cathode
ray tube (CRT) or liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor, for
displaying information to the user. To provide for input by a user
to the computer, implementations of the subject matter described in
this specification further can be operable to interface with a
keyboard, a pointing device (e.g., a mouse or a trackball),
scanner, a barcode reader, magnetic strip reader, or any other
input device.
[0055] The described features, structures, or characteristics can
be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In
the above description, numerous specific details are provided for a
thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled
in the relevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments of
the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific
details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In
other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations
may not be shown or described in detail. Furthermore, while this
specification contains many specific implementation details, these
should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any
invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of
features that may be specific to particular implementations of
particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this
specification in the context of separate implementations can also
be implemented in combination in a single implementation.
Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a
single implementation can also be implemented in multiple
implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination.
Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in
certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or
more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be
excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be
directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.
[0056] Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in
a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that
such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in
sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed,
to achieve desirable results. Moreover, the separation of various
system components in the implementations described above should not
be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations,
and it should be understood that the described program components
and systems can generally be integrated together in a single
software product or packaged into multiple software products.
[0057] Those skilled in the art will appreciate from the foregoing
description that the broad techniques of the embodiments of the
present invention can be implemented in a variety of forms.
Therefore, while the embodiments of this invention have been
described in connection with particular examples thereof, the true
scope of the embodiments of the invention should not be so limited
since other modifications and other embodiments will become
apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of this
disclosure.
[0058] Reference throughout this specification to "an embodiment"
or "implementation" or words of similar import means that a
particular described feature, structure, or characteristic is
included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,
the phrase "in an embodiment" or a phrase of similar import in
various places throughout this specification does not necessarily
refer to the same embodiment.
* * * * *